Pursuing a job as a veterinary technician in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania opens doors to a rewarding career in animal care.
To become one, there are several requirements that you have to meet.
First, you need an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited program.
These programs usually take two to four years to complete.
They provide in-depth knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and laboratory procedures.
Then, you also have to gain clinical experience.
Through clinical rotations and hands-on opportunities at local veterinary hospitals or clinics, you can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world animal care scenarios.
The most crucial step is the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Upon successfully completing your accredited program, you should take the VTNE.
It is a national licensing examination.
Passing the VTNE is mandatory for becoming a licensed veterinary technician.
If you are ready to begin your journey toward a veterinary technician career, check out the vet tech schools in Pittsburgh, PA below.
Vet Tech Institute
About the School
Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh, PA, is an institution that specializes in veterinary education.
Since the early 1950s, they have nurtured a legacy of excellence, burgeoning from a humble initiative to becoming a premier institution for veterinary technology education.
They have a rich history that reflects their commitment to advancing animal care through skilled professionals.
Offering comprehensive programs in veterinary technology, they provide students with hands-on training in animal healthcare.
They take pride in their state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technology to simulate real-world scenarios.
Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), they are dedicated to cultivating compassionate, competent veterinary technicians who champion animal welfare, apply ethical practices, and contribute significantly to the field of veterinary medicine.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Technology Program is designed for students seeking the core skills needed for entry into the veterinary care field.
The curriculum concentrates on the following areas:
- Veterinary Nursing
- Surgical Nursing
- Veterinary Clinical Pathology
- Animal Behavior
- Animal Husbandry
- Veterinary Medical Terminology
- Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology
- Laboratory Procedures
- Veterinary Nutrition
- Anesthesia
- Pharmacology
- Radiology
- Preparation for the VTNE National Certification Exam
The program can be completed in 18 months and complies with the standards of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Address: 125 7th St #650, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States
Pennsylvania Western University
About the School
Pennsylvania Western University, most commonly known as PennWest California, is a public university and one of the three campuses of Pennsylvania Western University.
Founded in 1852, they are part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Occupying 92 acres, their campus houses 38 buildings, including a soccer facility, a football stadium, picnic facilities, student centers, and residence halls.
With a wide selection of undergraduate, master’s degree, doctoral, certificate, and licensure programs, they provide excellent education experience at a tremendous value.
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, their programs encompass a broad range of fields, including Healthcare, Business, IT, Education, History, and Arts.
They strive to exemplify academic excellence, innovation, service, personal growth, and social justice for all.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Technology Program is designed to help turn students’ passion for animal care into a career in vet tech.
It involves working with live animals on campus to master practical skills in animal care.
Coursework consists of classroom theory, hands-on training, and 240 hours of clinical experience.
The curriculum covers various topics, such as:
- Animal Anatomy, Behavior, and Diseases
- Best Practices for Animal Handling
- Practice Management
- Surgery
- Dentistry
- Radiology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Anesthesia and Pain Management
- Recordkeeping
The program requires 60 total credits.
Upon completion, graduates are awarded an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology.
They may also take the Veterinary Technician National Exam and work in vet clinics, animal control and humane societies, diagnostic labs, zoos, wildlife facilities, livestock health management, and biomedical research.
Address: 250 University Ave, California, Pennsylvania, 15419
Institute of Medical and Business Careers
About the School
The Institute of Medical and Business Careers is a school that specializes in healthcare and business studies.
Established in the early 2000s in Pennsylvania, they have a vision to empower individuals through comprehensive, career-focused education.
With a student body of over 1,000 enrolled annually across various programs, they pride themselves on personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
Their modern facilities simulate real-world scenarios and foster hands-on learning experiences.
They offer an array of programs, including Medical Assisting, Business Administration, Medical Office Administration, and Practical Nursing, that meet industry standards and equip students with practical skills essential for their chosen careers.
They are committed to excellence in education so that their graduates can confidently enter the workforce and drive positive change in their respective fields.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Technician Program trains students on how to provide animals with the best care possible.
It covers how to:
- Assist in various types of surgical procedures and emergencies
- Support veterinary doctors with lab procedures, exams, and animal care
- Work with pet owners and animal care
- Provide education and guidance for proper care and treatment based on doctor’s instructions
- Provide comfort to pets and pet owners
- Ensure a clean and safe veterinary environment
All classes are held on campus and have an average class size of 25 or less.
Program length is 1.5 years and course length is 6 weeks.
Graduates of the program may seek entry-level employment as veterinary technicians in veterinary hospitals, humane societies, animal shelters, zoos, wildlife facilities, boarding kennels, and pharmaceutical sales.
Address: 5739 W. 26th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania, 16506
Veterinary Technician Schools by City in Pennsylvania
